CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Francisco “Morochito” Rodríguez, the boxer who won Venezuela’s first Olympic gold medal, died Tuesday at age 78.
Venezuela’s Olympic Committee confirmed Rodriguez’ death on Wednesday on its social media channels but did not provide details. Local media reported he had been hospitalized in Caracas due to anemia.
At the Mexico City Olympics in 1968, Rodríguez won gold in the light flyweight division by beating South Korea’s Jee Yong-Ju in the final bout.
Rodríguez also won gold medals at the 1967 and 1971 Pan American Games.
Rodriguez was the second born of 14 children. He started boxing at age 11.
The second Venezuelan to win an Olympic gold medal was fencer Rubén Limardo at the London Olympics in 2012.
The unstoppable duo of Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos
Ethnic village thrives on tourism
Hapoel Tel Aviv, Hapoel Jerusalem reach Tel Aviv Winner Tournament final
Xinjiang aquatic products ascend to world's dinner table
Jon Wysocki dead at 53: Staind drummer passes away
China's Zhou to continue in F1 in 2024
Main Media Center of Hangzhou Asian Games starts trial operation
Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
EU releases blocked funds of $6.7 billion to Poland as part of its post
Liverpool confirms Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's replacement
Interview: Zheng Qinwen: Keep my eyes on the sky and feet on the ground